My Content: Hubs, Answers, and Forums
13What is "physical"sobriety?
Want to be sober? Don't drink alcohol! According to the dictionary, "sober" means not addicted to intoxicating drink. It also means showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice. The first definition describes physical...
52Where to Put Granny ... & Who Gets to Decide?
What happens when an elderly person's end-of-life wishes, clearly written in a legal trust, are not enforced or respected, but overridden by the legal and financial professionals in charge of her money? An expensive, draining legal batte! This is a cautionary tale of a system and an adult sibling who opposed Granny's desire to die at home not be placed in a nursing home. This really happened to our family. Don't let it happen to yours!
47Drinking and Depression Don't Mix
The holidays are upon us. For too many of us, December is the most depressing month of the year. Knowing we're supposed to feel the "Christmas spirit" and "goodwill toward men" and "jolly" and "generous" only makes (some of) us feel worse. It's a...
21Which Christmas Shopping Strategy Saves Money and Time?
It's Black Friday. Do you have your Christmas shopping done? Have you even started? Or are you one of those who waits till the last minute, cramming more gift buying into the final hours of Christmas Eve than is humanly possible? When it comes to...
63AA Is a Cult & Other Myths of Recovery
Last night I heard an AA member actually use the "c" word. He said when he first came into AA he refused to drink the Koolaid because... "AA is a cult. " I had just read those exact words -- along with "We know AA won't work because she's an...
102Family Funerals: How to Keep Out Unwanted Guests
When planning a wedding, it's easy to ban unwanted family members. Simply don't invite them. The bride and groom (and/or her parents and possibly his parents) get to choose who does -- and doesn't -- share the special day. But what about funerals?...
41Easy Chocolate Berry Trifle Recipe
Trifle is the dessert equivalent of lasagna. There are a zillion different ingredients you can use. The only requirement is that the ingredients are layered . But unlike lasagna, trifle is chilled, not baked. I invented this particular taste...
34MMom's Simply Amazing Apple Pie Recipe
Mighty Mom's simple, fool-proof apple pie recipe for busy moms (and anyone who loves apple pie but is afraid to bake it). Made with pre-made pie crust and tart Granny Smith apples, this pie has two secrets: an ingredient (pear) the sauce. It's buttery, sugary caramel poured over the lattice crust top. This apple pie gets rave reviews from everyone.
33Movie Review: The Social Network
"The Social Network" is the story of a Harvard student named Mark Zuckerberg, who becomes the world's youngest billionaire by creating Facebook. If you need me to tell you what Facebook is, you're even more of a luddite than I am. The story is...
69Charlie Sheen Suffers from DIGFAST (mania)
Are you sick of Charlie Sheen? Charlie isn't sick of Charlie Sheen -- not by a long shot. But Charlie Sheen is sick. The question is, what exactly does he suffer from? In the wee hours of the morning I found myself unable to sleep. So I turned on...
1452011 Celebrity Dead Pool
The All New, All Year 2011 Celebrity Dead Pool Contest Back by popular (not to mention morbid) demand, It is time for the Celebrity Dead Pool Contest 2011 edition. Our friend and fellow Hubber rockinjoe started this tradition in 2009. I...
39How to Enjoy a Non-Alcoholic Holiday
'Tis the season to be of good cheer. And for most people, clinking "cheers" with an alcoholic drink is a holiday ritual. The days and nights leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve (the biggest drinking night of the entire year) are one giant...
37Easy Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle Recipe
Do you love pumpkin pie? Do you hate pumpkin pie? Either way, I guarantee you will love this! Imagine combining a Starbucks gingerbread latte, a pumpkin spice latte (complete with whipped cream, of course) and some moist spicy cake. Cool the...
16How To Choose The Perfect Diamond Ring
First Step: Romancing the Stone So you're ready to pop the big question. Now comes a key test of how well you know your bride to be. Is your fiancee's taste more traditional, old-fashioned, avant-garde or modern? What shape diamond does she...
54Why Doritos Are the Missing WMDs
The use of Doritos as inflictors of pain is more common than you might think. In fact, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reported no fewer than 9,7283 incidents of Doritos Double Dipping (DDD) during the 2009 football season, alone. The...
66Dead Kittens -- A Poem
Is there anything sadder than a kitten thatâs dead? Its eyes bulging out of its little dead head? Its coat matted down with dark blood that is drying Its face all contorted â no peace for the dying Itâs bad enough when a...
15How to Choose Your Engagement Ring-- Part I
So you've found your perfect mate and she's said "Yes!" Now comes the challenge of finding the perfect engagement ring. Naturally, you want your fiancee to be overcome with joy and to wear her engagement ring proudly -- as long as you both shall...
47Marry Me! A Guide to Getting Engaged
So you're thinking about popping the question. The question is, how, when, and where should you do it? Getting engaged is a big step in any relationship. The actual marriage proposal is a big deal, too, for single ladies from Eve in the garden to...
74Empty Nest Syndrome: Let Go, Mom!
There is no job on earth as rewarding as being a mother. Being a dad is cool, too, but different. Moms are biologically programmed to love, love, love and love some more. From the minute you hear those blessed words, "It's a boy and he scored a 9...
137Alcoholic Recovery. Is Relapse Necessary?
The answer is: Yes, for most alcoholics (and drug addicts), relapse is part of the journey. The vast majority of people do relapse at least once on their road to sobriety. It is the rare alcoholic indeed who is able to put the plug in the jug...
47Film Review: Joan Rivers A Piece of Work
I did not expect to enjoy this documentary chronicling a year in the life of 75-year-old comedienne Joan Rivers. But I did. I did expect to be disturbed by certain aspects of her life. And I was. But the disturbing parts had nothing to do with...
84Best Beauty Pageant Answers
I've been watching beauty pageants since I was a little girl. But I never aspired to be Miss America, Miss Universe, or even Miss Corner of My Own Universe. For me, watching these annual celebrations of the feminine ideal (and I use the term...
131How does an alcoholic ruin your life?
Alcoholism is a disease and the alcoholic's actions make no sense. The people around the alcholic become sick also as codependents.This hub helps anyone living with or loving an actively drinking alcoholic or using addict. Understand the nature of alcoholism and your role as codependent in the alcoholic's insane world. The best way to help your alcoholic loved one is to know what you're dealing with and treat your own codependence.
47Bipolar Wake Up Meditation
When I got diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, my parents bought me a cool book called "An Unquiet Mind." I immediately recognized my own jumbled thoughts and emotions. I felt an instant affinity for the author. I've since learned that 70% of...
942010 Celebrity Dead Pool
It is time to announce the new Dead Pool Contest. Our friend and fellow Hubber rockinjoe started this tradition in 2009. I shall continue it this year, at the behest of another dear friend and fellow Hubber extraordinaire ralwus. For the record,...
21Oh Christmas Tree: a branch-by-branch guide
For those who celebrate the holiday, the Christmas tree ("tree") ranks right up there with gifts, eggnog, and sugar cookies as a must-have tradition. In fact, I would venture to say the Christmas tree is the most recognizable Christmas symbol,...
36The Deer In the Graveyard
There are no deer where I live. At least, I've never seen one in my neighborhood. But in Marin County, deer roam the hills freely and pop up in the oddest places. One afternoon a full-sized doe and her baby hopped over the fence into my parents'...
65What's Your Restaurant Personality Type?
Have you ever been embarrassed by your dining companion? Given a friend the benefit of the doubt, until her waiter abuse became too much to ignore? Or maybe you're the one who takes an agenda with you out to eat....? An indicent Sunday...
27Christmas Party Survival Guide
Back in the day, it was customary for businesses to thank their employees with a holiday party. The annual "Company Christmas Party" is (or was) legendary. In this economy, such festivities may be scaled back or eliminated entirely. However, if...
77What Makes a Good Mother
Child A gets into Harvard and goes on to become a famous brain surgeon. Child B drops out of high school, takes a dead-end job, and spends his days getting high. How much, if any, of the credit/blame for these choices should each boy's mother...
23Grandma Esther's Thanksgiving Pot Roast Recipe
Despite the Normal Rockwell (oops -- is that a Freudian slip? I meant Norman Rockwell) paintings, many American families celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in alternative ways. Depending on their culture, their feast may include some variation on...
76Your Halloween Costume Personality
Halloween is as much for adults as it is for kids. Okay, so we may not get to trick-or-treat, but we do get to dress up. Whether you're going to a Halloween party or staying home to answer the door, you're bound to have more fun if you don a...
56Mudpie Poetry
I wrote both of these poems on the same day. Mudpie Poetry I is intended for adult poets (or wannabe poets).  I am also working on a book of poetry for children, so adapted Mudpie Poetry for a younger audience and call it Mudpie Poetry II. Enjoy!...
41Say Aloha to Hawaiian Hula Dance
Ah, the hula. If you've ever been to Hawaii you have undoubtedly enjoyed the exotic, hip-swaying dance called "hula." Beautiful island women (and men) tell stories and "act out" the music through dance steps, particularly their graceful arm...
35Hangover Poem: Queasy Headed Morning
Emotional napalm Exploding me awake  Canât quite remember Wish I could forget   Jangly nerves twitch With too much caffeine  Acidic from last nightâs Liquid supper  You could light my breath With a match  ...
95You Might Be Alcoholic: Warning Signs
The disease of alcoholism is baffling (actually, it's cunning, baffling and powerful). To the outside observer, the drinker's self-destructive behavior makes no sense. To the drinker him/herself, it doesn't make much sense, either. Perhaps as...
91Top '80s Indie Bands
Lesser known but still great bands from the 80s. Some faded away with the decade. Others are still around and performing. All these 80s bands had an impact on my life. They represent no particular musical genre. Some solo artists, some duos -- all great sounds of the decade of big hair and spandex.
37Songs About Love and Loss
Love stinks, love hurts, love makes you cry. Sometimes when your heart is broken you need a song that lets you feel the pain. Patsy Cline, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Eric Clapton with Tracy Chapman,Righteous Brothers, even a Pearl Jam cover. These love songs will make you feel worse but better after listening.
41My Dragonfly and I
The subtle commotion Caught my attention Flailing so helplessly Sputtering, flapping Spinning itself To a watery grave Got up from my chair To see what was happâning Determined, deliberate The knight of the day âHe's God's...
281How to steal your family inheritance
This tongue-in-cheek hub describes how to get your hands on your own inheritance and get more than your fair share. It describes how to do this while one parent is still alive by implementing a legal trust and then "jumping over" the living parent to become successor trustee when one parent passes. Based on a true story from our family. It is not moral or ethical to do this. Legally not defensible either. Siblings may have ulterior motives when it comes to caring for their parents. Beware!
249Family Betrayal: My Sister Is No More
My sister, My sibling, What have you done? Betrayed me, Dismayed me, Who have you become? Our father Our mother Grow older, regress My heart aches I care take Yet feel no duress They raised us They praised us Yet...
20Understanding Your Phone Bill: the Softer Side of ATT
Who doesn't love Ma Bell -- or whatever the hell she's calling herself these days? The phone company has always played an important role in my life. Not only does it supply me with local, long distance and Internet service, it provides a safe and...
3110 Steps to Social Security Survivor Benefits
In America, when a working parent dies, his/her family is entitled to survivor benefits from the Social Security Administration. This is something I'd never thought much about -- until last month. My 17-year-old's father, my ex-husband, died in...
33Sibling Rivalry: Why My Husband Is Jan Brady
Okay, so my husband (Hubby, to those of you familiar with my hubs) is not the middle daughter of a blended family. He does not wear miniskirts. Heck, he's not even blonde. But recent events have caused me to see some disturbing parallels with that...
63Smoke In a Can, Snus
I have recently discovered a new store in my neighborhood. This store sells tobacco products at discount prices, and I have household members who indulge in tobacco products. Now, before you break out the sermon and the Nicorette, hear me out. I...
40Cinderella in the Workplace
There was an earnest young woman named Cindy [not to be confused with our very own Cindyvine]. This Cindy was booksmart, but in many ways naive to the ways of the world. She loved the "work" part of work, but had a hard time dealing with the...
47Do You Like My Dr. Seuss Books?
Generations of children have cut their reading teeth on the simple rhymes and elaborate illustrations of Dr. Seuss books. The endearing characters of these books live on in our memories. The rhyme schemes also live on, adapted for every imaginable...
43Social Climbing for Klutzes (like me)
Whether it's India's formal caste system or prestige based on job title, people are not created equal -- at least not socially equal. Ever since ancient times, when primitive man looked over and saw his neighbor had a bigger cave, a bigger club,...
145Can you stop someone from drinking themselves to death
Alcoholism is a baffling and frustrating disease. Watching someone drink themself to death is heartbreaking. You want to help the alcoholic but how? Everything you do seems wrong. The alcoholic keeps drinking. This hub offers education about what alcoholism is and is not. And action steps to intervene and get the alcoholic in your life into sobriety.
37A Fatherless Fathers Day
Is it still Father's Day if your father is dead? What if the closest paternal surrogates -- father-in-law and favorite uncles -- are also deceased? This will be my first year minus a real-live father figure. It's probably gonna feel weird. My...
54Sex Appealometer for Male Celebs
Inspired by a fabulous hub by MindField (see link, right) I've decided to air my own secret celebrity crushes. Film stars, TV stars, musicians. Classically handsome or offbeat and quirky -- there is no one thing that I find sexy. Well, that's not...
25Songs About Triumph Over Cancer
A compilation of uplifting, encouraging songs put together in tribute to a friend battling breast cancer. These songs -- lots of funk and groove from the '70s can't help but make you get up and dance. If you or someone you know have cancer, please take a listen. YOU CAN MAKE IT IF YOU TRY!!
90Couples Conflict - How to fight fair
Sometimes I think I missed my calling. I've always been much better at diagnosing other people's problems than my own. I majored in psychology in college, then went into advertising/marketing, a field designed to manipulate the psyches of...
47My Big, Fat, Ghetto After-Funeral Memorial Party
I've been working on my funeral obsession. I really have. The truth is, I'm pretty funeral'd out, what with my dad's in December and my father-in-law's just last weekend. Before I completely let it die a natural death (groan), I can't help but...
26Driving Test Day at the DMV
This hub started out with the title "A beautiful day at the DMV." There I was. Sitting in the passenger seat of my car. Accompanying my son to his big, long-awaited, long-practiced-for driving test. Sonny was setting the mood for himself by playing...
74Do Police Really Protect or Even Serve?
Police cannot be everywhere. They have only so many resources in the fight against crime. Even with a cop on every corner, there'd still be bad guys (and bad girls) getting away with murder -- not to mention assault, armed robbery, rape, drug...
71Dying: A Guide to Crossing Death's Doorstep
This hub offers a breath-by-breath-to-last-breath guide to help you recognize and participate in each stage of your loved one's last weeks, days, hours and minutes of life. Like fingerprints, each person's exit from this earth is unique and highly...
46Dying Guide: Why I Hate Hospice Care
Die young and leave a beautiful corpse? Or hang in til you reach a ripe, old age so people can say, "He had a good life."? Clock out suddenly with no notice? Or wither away slowly over weeks, months or even years? There are pros and cons to each...
25Songs Baby Boomers Love
The Beatles' hit "When I'm 64" was released in 1967. I was 10. I couldn't picture myself being 24, let alone 64. Well, let me tell you something. As a '57 classic (not a Chevy, tho), I'm actually towards the tail end of the Baby Boomer generation....
49Scary Songs that Scare Me
For Halloween or anytime you want to be spooked out, certain songs chill us to the bone because of their lyrics, their tone, or both. Here are some songs that I find scary. Includes videos of: In the Year 2525, The End,Eli's Coming, The Rapper, Black Sabbath, Goodbye Horses.
39Songs That Make You Feel Like Dancing
Ok, KCC, you asked for it. Here it is! Mighty Mom's list of top 10 songs that are impossible to sit still to. This is so fun -- thanks for suggesting it! By the way, I made money in college by making dance tapes (reel to reel) and deejayng at campus...
33Is That Vacation Invitation a Scam?
There I was, pacing the living room, wracking my brain for ideas. What could I possibly say about "Improving Your Life" that would stand out from the Hubmob (hundreds or thousands of other Hub Pages writers writing on the same topic? Suddenly,...
29MXC -- Funny and Silly TV
MXC, formerly "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge" is the stupidest, slyest, dirtiest, zaniest, absolutely best reality show on TV. Bold statement? Yes, and I fully expect some backlash. But since MXC is really one-of-a-kind, you can't reasonably...
89The Hottest Studs on HubPages
Among Merriam-Webster's definitions of stud is "a; young man : guy ; especially : one who is virile and promiscuous b: a tough person c: hunk. I'm sure we could all name a half dozen, dozen or even 100 Hubbers who fit this classic definition....
52Christmas Sweaters: Light Up Your Holidays
Embroidered vests, glittery sweaters, even clothing with lights. Christmas attire makes the wearer look like a decorated tree. Why do people decorate their bodies at Christmas more than any other holiday? The phenomenon now includes "ugly Christmas sweater parties."
19Funerals -- a Survivors' Guide
I am not a morbid person. Honestly. True, this is the third hub I've written on the subject of funerals and dying. With any luck, I will be taking a long hiatus to write about the joys of sending a son off to his senior prom, then college. But...
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Sex After Rape -- Victims' Coping Tactics
Trauma of rape affects victim's sex life in different ways. Some rape victims become promiscuous to try to regain control of their bodies. Other rape victims shut down sexually which hurts their relationships. Many variables affect rape victim's sex life post-rape.
33The 10 Most Popular Christmas Movies
Watching holiday movies is as much a part of Christmas tradition as tree trimming, cookie baking and shopping. And with Netflix, DVDs and Tivo, you don't have to wait for your favorites to air or choose between watching and caroling! Here's a...
28510 Scariest Movies Ever
When it comes to horror, there are many genres. Personally, I lean toward the psychological thriller. Monsters from the deep or giant apes are not for me. Aliens from space? No thanks. But draw me into the sociopath's lair and I'm one happy...
138Obesity Epidemic in America: Who Is to Blame?
Look around you. There is no denying Americans are getting heavier. And heavier. And heavier. Being overweight correlates to a host of health problems including high blood pressure and diabetes, and ultimately, shorter life expectancy. Current...
84How to Comfort Your Man
There's a joke that circulates on email every so often about how to please a woman (a list of about 50 items) vs. how to please a man (Show up naked. Bring beer). Sure, that's all well and good for everyday. But what about when your man is hurting?...
35The Best Way to Talk With Your Teen
"Everybody's talkin' at me. I can't hear a word they're saying..." so begins the classic Harry Nillson song made famous in the film "Midnight Cowboy." Often, when I try to initiate conversation with my teen son, I sense he's buried deep in the...
143If You Are Bipolar Stay On Your Meds
Often people who are bipolar hate the side effects of their bipolar medications. They don't realize the meds are helping them until they stop taking them. This hub talks about the importance of working with a psychiatrist who understands brain chemistry and brain medications to manage bipolar. It can be done without unpleasant symptoms.
68Is it morbid to plan your own funeral?
I just attended a lovely funeral. This being my first Chinese-American funeral, I had quite a bit of time during the Cantonese language portion of the program to think about how intensely personal, yet universal funerals are. It was hard not to...
7Holiday Tipping Guide -- Who Gets How Much
Ready or not, the holidays are coming. Looking at my business receivables, my checkbook balance, and the number of weeks between now and December 25, I'm doing some serious thinking. Not about my family. Not about shopping. About tipping. Let me...
19010 Tips for Living Drug, Alcohol, Smoke Free
Are drugs, alcohol or cigarettes ruling your life? Have you tried quitting only to pick back up again -- even though you really, really want to stop? Stop beating yourself up. You are not a failure. You're an addict. A healthier, craving-free...
87Know Your Patron Saints, A Prayer Guide
I come from a Catholic household. Catholic of the Irish variety. I qualify this because different ethnicities have special saints they pray to and have festivals to honor. I thought today would be a good day to tackle this subject because a) I just...
6How/When to Choose a Teen Drug Rehab
First of all, I hope you never, ever have to. Second of all, know that you are not alone. If my experiences -- yes, plural -- can be of any help to you, I offer them here. The reality is that with today's super strong weed (pot, marijuana),...
